Spain Removes COVID-19 Restrictions for EU/Schengen Travelers

On June 2, Spain finally removed all COVID-19 restrictions for travelers from the EU/Schengen zone. It was one of the last European countries to do so. 

Now this category of visitors doesn’t have to show a negative test, proof of recovery, or vaccination to enter the country.

The decision has been explained by the fact that the rates of vaccination coverage in Spain are above the European Union average, so it is appropriate to reduce travel restrictions for EU/Schengen travelers. 

That’s especially great news for the Spanish tourism industry. Due to its magnificent beaches and rich culture, pre-pandemic Spain was the world’s second-most visited country and now is expected to reach about 90 percent of its 2019 size.

Other removed requirements in Spain

Some Member States have recently eliminated entry restrictions for travelers from third countries. Meanwhile, on May 21, Spain only lifted its ban on travelers from third countries who are not fully vaccinated. Now, after all, they can enter the country following some requirements.

On May 19, Spain also put to end health checks at its land borders with France and, on May 17, has started to gradually reopen borders between its African cities of Ceuta and Melilla and Marocco. 

Entry requirements for non-EU/Schengen travelers

Unlike some other Member States, Spain, though, still has requirements for non-EU or Schengen area travelers. 

In order to enter the country, people from countries that do not belong to the European Union or associated Schengen countries must be subjected to a health control at the first entry point that will involve, as a minimum, the taking temperature, a documentary control and a visual check on their physical condition. 

If, for example, an airport temperature check raises concern or passengers have some suspicious symptoms, they could be contacted and required to take a PCR test at any point up to 48 hours after the arrival.

Documentary control

A documentary control includes providing one of the following documents through the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC):

• proof of COVID-19 vaccination (it must prove that a passenger has received the second or third/booster dose within the last 9 months);
• recovery certificate (issued within the last 6 months (issued 11 days after a PCR test or laboratory antigen test confirmed the COVID-19);
• a negative test or another valid document (PCR test taken within 72 hours or antigen test taken within 24 hours before departure).

If a person doesn’t have the EUDCC, they can fill in Spain’s Health Control Form with these details and get through the airports a QR code.